MACOMB, Ill. - Matched up again on Saturday (April 3) for two final outings, Western Illinois softball (11-19, 2-6) and South Dakota State (23-4, 8-0) started the afternoon in an intense game one duel. The Jackrabbits took a 3-2 decision to begin day two before piecing a 7-0 shutout in the series closer.
 

Game One

SDSU 3, WIU 2

The Leathernecks' defense left two SDSU runners stuck on bases to start the contest. Western's first run of the day happened by Sydney Hollings, who added yet another dinger to her season total (8).

A triple by the Jackrabbits reeled in a run of their own to even things in the fifth. After seeing hits from Kellie Marcheschi and Savannah Rodriguez, Hollings helped WIU regain its lead on a sacrifice fly to bring home pinch-runner Torince Muczynski.

Down 2-1 in the top of the seventh, SDSU refused to go away quietly. The group first reached home plate on a wild pitch and then homered for a solo bomb, jumping ahead 3-2. Alyssa Ealy gave Western another chance after tripling in the bottom of the seventh, but SDSU's defense caused a final swinging strikeout.

Five different Leathernecks contributed a hit each, while Hollings chipped in two RBI. Marcheschi continued her stellar infield play with six putouts.
 

Game Two

SDSU 7, WIU 0

The third inning was a story of home runs for SDSU, as the Jackrabbits piled three of them in a stretch of five at-bats. Bella Alvarez gave WIU its first hit in the bottom of the third, singling to left-center. 

Following a period of heavy defensive play by both sides, SDSU added a few more insurance runs in the final two innings. A 2 RBI homer first took place, and a pair of additional runs closed out the margin. 

Alvarez finished with WIU's lone hit. Marcheschi's seven putouts led the defense, and Piper Foote added three.

In a 72-hour turnaround, Western will be on the road for a Tuesday doubleheader at Drake. The day's first pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.